Carrot Soaps- Benefits, Side Effects & Best Ones to Use

I’m sure we have all heard about how good it is for us to eat our veggies – especially our carrots. We have been hearing this since we chew solid foods. But did you also know that carrots are great for the skin?

In this article, we’re going to talk about how the skincare industry has found a way to incorporate carrots into everyday skin care. More specifically, we’re going to talk about carrot soaps!

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Benefits of Using Carrot Soaps

The main ingredient in carrots that is so special in skincare is Beta-Carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A (retinol).

Carrots have tons of beta-carotene that the body easily converts into Vitamin A. So, even though the phrase “A carrot a day keeps the dermatologist away” might not be very catchy, it holds some truth.

In the form of retinol, vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient for our skin. So, beta carotene, when applied topically can then be converted to retinol which can:

1- Increases the skin’s defense against UV radiation

Some studies have shown that when used together with sunscreen and other skin protectants, beta carotene from carrot soaps can moderately reduce the redness and burning that comes from UV exposure.

However, you cannot use beta carotene creams or lotions by themselves for sun protection. You will still need your SPF!

2- Helps to prevent premature aging

when applied to the skin, beta carotene will most likely increase the amount of Vitamin A (retinol esters) in the skin. This will provide all the same benefits that we see with retinol products such as

increased collagen and elastin production,

fewer fine lines and wrinkles, i
increased cell regeneration and turnover,
improved acne and acne scars,

And healthier, plumper, and more supple skin.

Fun fact: Heinrich Wilhelm Ferdinand Wackenroder, a scientist, first identified beta carotene in carrots in 1831!

3- Helps to treat Acne

The beta carotene in carrot soap will help to improve inflammatory acne.

Since it naturally increases cell turnover and reduces inflammation, it helps to reduce acne and acne marks.

For some great soaps for acne consider:

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4- Can Help to Lighten Dark Spots

The beta carotene in carrot soap is not a bleaching agent so it will not directly lighten the skin, but it will gradually resurface the skin and fade dark spots subtly.

Beta carotene acts as converted to retinol in the skin and acts exactly as retinol does by increasing cell turnover and collagen production. These actions gradually replace old, pigmented skin cells with newer, brighter ones. This makes the skin brighter over time without directly bleaching it.

How long does it take for carrot soap to brighten skin?

Carrot soap will take a few weeks to visibly change the appearance of your skin. My skin started to show a change after using Carrot Soaps for 2 weeks.

Now the effects are gradual and the results will ultimately depend on the severity of your skin’s condition.

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Is carrot soap good for dark skin?

Carrot soap can be used on dark skin with positive effects.

Since it does not bleach the skin, it will not discolor the skin but can help to tone the skin.

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How To Use Carrot Soaps

Carrot soaps can be used every day on the skin if necessary.

Ultimately, how often you use this soap will depend on your skin’s reaction to the product. Your skin’s reaction will depend on several things:

Your skin’s condition (dry, sensitive, actively breaking out, acne, etc)
The ingredients in the soap (apart from beta carotene, soaps will have other ingredients that may or may not cause reactions in your skin)

The way that you take care of your skin before and after using the soap (cleansing, moisturizing, SPF, etc)

If your skin can tolerate daily use and you are seeing the benefits you want, then you can use carrot soaps every day. I recommend using it once a day at most.

For me, when I used carrot soaps, my skin became a little too dry. However, moisturizer fixed that quickly. I also found that using my regular cleanser to wash off oil, products, and makeup, and then the soap was a little too harsh for my skin.

So I used some micellar water first to cleanse, and then the soap. If I used heavy makeup, then I cleansed as I usually would and I skipped the carrot soap for that day, just so that I didn’t over-strip my skin.

It’s perfectly fine to play around with your routine to find the one that works best for your skin. I also recommend patch-testing before applying the soap all over.

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Typically, to use the soap, simply:

Ensure that all your makeup, moisturizer, and SPF have been removed first. You can use a gentle, mild cleanser to clean your face.
Then lather the carrot soap on your hands and massage the foam all over your face (or in the area you are treating).
Massage for a minute or two and then rinse the soap off.

Pat your skin dry and moisturize generously.
If you are going out, apply a generous amount of your SPF.

If you are using the soap on your body, the same process applies (clean your body first, then apply the carrot soap, wash it off, then moisturize and apply SPF).

Bonus Tip: Evidence-based research has confirmed that using just 30mg of a beta-carotene supplement per day can help to improve the health of your skin from the inside too!

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Best Carrot Soaps To Use

1- Carotis Beauty Soap

Carotis soap is the one that I used and got good results from. It is infused with carrot oil AND additional Vitamin A for double the nourishment.

It’s cruelty-free, eco-friendly, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and sulfate-free. It also contains glycerin and olive oil to moisturize the skin.

You can Click here to see the price for the Carotis Beauty Soap on Amazon.

2- LAISAE Carrot Brightening Soap

While carrot soaps are not miracles, this one works well. It does not dry out the skin too much and it doesn’t leave behind any residue.

It will, however, take a while for you to see results. You will need to use this consistently for weeks to see marked differences in your skin, especially if you are treating something more than mild/moderate.

You can Click here to check out the LAISAE Carrot Brightening Soap on Amazon.

3- CT+ Clear Therapy Carrot Lightening Purifying Soap

This carrot soap contains carrot oil which is rich in beta-carotene without the staining pigment. However, it does have some dye in it to give it the signature shade.

This one might make your skin feel slightly dry, but using a good moisturizer will fix that in an instant.

You can Click here to see the CT+ Clear Therapy Carrot Lightening Purifying Soap on Amazon.

Possible Side Effects Of Using Carrot Soap

The main side effects associated with using beta-carotene and carrot soaps are irritation and discoloration.

Since beta-carotene is converted to retinol in the skin, it will make your skin a little sensitive. Combining it with other retinol products or harsh, skin-resurfacing ingredients will lead to some irritation.

So if you are already using retinol and other skin resurfacing treatments, you should probably skip the carrot soaps. However, if you want to try the carrot soaps, you will need to give your other products a break.

On the other hand, a lot of people don’t know that beta-carotene is very pigmented. It is actually what gives carrots that bright orange color.

If you have ever seen carrot soaps, you will recognize that familiar orange-ish color. The bad thing about this is that this pigment has staining capabilities. So, sometimes, if you use it too much, it can stain your skin and give it a yellowish-orangish tint.

Now some soaps are created better than some (unfortunately) and the manufacturers have found a way to prevent skin staining.

However, this will depend on your skin, how much beta carotene is in the soap, and how often you use it. If you notice that your skin is becoming stained, you may need to reduce how often you use the soap.

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